So… I have been given a “gift certificate” (from my parents, to the "bank of Mom and Dad) for $100 (CAD) for a whistle or whistles. Basically, I want to know what whistles are under $100 CAD in the keys of B, Low E, and high E (in that order of importance) I hav already checked out Susato, Shaws and Tony Dixon. Knowledge of any other makers (preferably slightly better whistles) that have whistles in these keys would be very greatly received.
As well, Low G, Low C and possibly Low A whislte information would also be greatly appreciated.
As far as i know, Syn doesn’t have a Web site. I’m not sure he makes any key other than D, though (i have a faint memory of maybe C, but i’m not sure). His email address is “synwhistles at yahoo dot com dot au”. The high Ds are often available for sale from http://www.gaeliccrossings.com
Board Stalwart Jim Mc, some time back, posted some worthwhile info regarding ‘mid-range whistles’ that is well worth looking at. If interested, you can sort through his posts in the manner that the Board enables. I recall that Jim focussed on whistles under $35.00. There is also a ton of stuff on the Board about tweaked inexpensive whistles.
I second the suggestion concerning Mack Hoover’s whistles. You could buy a Whitecap, or a custom aluminum, brass, or CPVC instrument, and remain within your budget. Should you wish to bust your budget by a few dollars, check out whistles by Michael Burke.
If you like a whistle that’s kind of loud, the Water Weasel E has a simply incredible tone. I believe the B is of the same pipe; you might enquire how much Glenn will charge for a B/E set. Probably out of your price range, but worth discussing.
I believe Sandy Jasper does make an E Elfsong, too.
I simply love E whistles; I think you’re right to be looking for one. There’s a surprising amount of stuff out there to play along with that’s in E or, especially, A.
Exactly, besides, for what experience I have, it is a matter of money, not instrument.
I can get more instrument for less money with Susato.
But since I wrote that, I have been looking more at the Hoovers.
And I have decided for sure that I will not get a water weasel. So now it is: get a Susato B, with D and Eb tubes, or get a Hoover B (probably whitecap) and check about getting an A tube, or get a Hoover CPVC in B with a low E body (same tube size so why not?) Of course that is only if the CPVCs are two piece. And is dependent on price… which I still am finding out.
Bill Whedon will make you whatever key you want. He makes a number of different whistles. I have three of his and I like them. I think if you email him you can get them on approval, too, for just the postage and a deposit if you’re not already a customer. He doesn’t charge a deposit if you already bought one from him.
Happy New Year
Randy Orman
